Safety & Security

The safety of all ceremony participants and ceremony guests is a top priority of the university. As such, TU has adopted a number of security procedures for Commencement.  

Towson University has adopted a number of procedures to maintain safety at Commencement and other major events hosted in SECU Arena based on a review of TU’s security measures and an assessment of best practices at similar institutions and event destinations across the country. The security procedures that will be in place for each ceremony are outlined below. 

Entrances open 90 minutes hours prior to the start of each ceremony. For Commencement, seating is secured by guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

what to expect

Anyone entering SECU Arena or the Towson Center (i.e. faculty, staff, volunteers, degree candidates, guests, etc.) must account for their attendance and will undergo handheld metal detection and bag checks. 

Towson University reserves the right to inspect all bags, purses and items of each guest entering the facility to ensure the safety of everyone.  If you do not want your items to be inspected, you may not be granted access to the facility.  Please follow all instructions from Towson University staff. Towson University is a smoke free campus.

tickets

Any guest who enters SECU Arena must have a ticket (this includes infants and children). There is no exception to this rule. Forged, reprinted, digital or photocopied tickets will not be honored.

Bag Checks 

Guest bags will be checked prior to event entrance, and bags larger than 22 x 12 x 8 inches will not be permitted in the arena. 

Guests with bags that exceed the size limit or other prohibited items will not be able to stow their items, and will be asked to discard these items or return them to their vehicle. Boxes that are 22 x 12 x 8 inches will be available at the entrance to the arena for size reference. Prohibited items include:

  • animals (with the exception of ADA compliant service animals)
  • audio or video recording equipment
  • bags/purses larger than 22" x 12" x 8"
  • beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic); empty refillable water bottles are permitted 
  • Bota bags, wineskins or flasks
  • balloons, confetti, streamers, glitter, fireworks, etc.
  • balls, bikes, hoverboards, roller blades, scooters, etc.
  • cameras with lenses greater than 8" (including monopods and tripods)
  • chairs
  • cigarettes, vapes, etc.
  • containers, coolers, flasks, baskets, etc.
  • coolers
  • drones or airborne devices
  • e-cigarettes and vapes
  • food (exceptions may be granted for guests with small children and medical conditions)
  • hard plastic masks or helmets
  • illegal drugs
  • laser pointers, markers, dry erase boards, paint, etc.
  • noisemaking devices, to include air horns
  • large golf umbrellas
  • sticks or poles, including selfie-sticks
  • skateboards, hoverboards, and bicycles
  • weapons (common examples include, but are not limited to: aerosol cans, mace, pepper spray, firearms, knives, including CCW permit holders, pocket knives, knives, spiked bracelets, brass knuckles, martial arts weapons, stun guns, and chains)

Metal Detection 

Handheld metal detectors operated by Safe Management (security staff contracted by the university) employees will be used to check guests prior to event entrance. When attending an event, please give yourself adequate time for going through the safety procedures.